Cheshire Police have identified a cyclist who was taken ill on Saturday, and later died in hospital. The man’s identity has been confirmed as Stephen Hardacre, 53, from Hazel Grove, Stockport, after a successful public appeal that quickly spread across social media on Sunday.

The police issued a photo of the Hardacre’s blue De Rosa Merak bike and a description of his appearance in the hope that someone recognised him as he was not carrying any form of identification.

Hardacre visited Costa Coffee in Poynton on Saturday (November 21) at 8.30am. He became ill in the café and was taken to Stepping Hill Hospital where he later died.

Police described him as being white, around six feet tall, slim build, with short greying brown hair and brown eyes.

He was wearing a red cycling jersey with black markings, black shorts and yellow/blue cycling shoes.

“The man had no ID on him, no bank cards, no phone, nothing to help us identify him so we can tell his family the sad news.” said sergeant Andy Baker on Sunday.

“We have been making extensive enquiries but we still have no idea who this man could be. I would urge anyone who recognises his description or the bike pictured, to contact us.”

Cheshire Police confirmed late on Sunday evening that he had been identified, and his name was released on Monday.